AHR HAS PIONEERED THE DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES REALISING EARLY ON IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THEY WOULD OFFER US TO IMPROVE: DESIGN DECISION MAKING, COMMUNICATION OF IDEAS, QUALITY OF INFORMATION AND REDUCE THE RISKS TO COST, TIME AND QUALITY OF PROJECTS.

Since 2004 we have developed our capability in both Computational Design and Advanced Modelling: Computational Design focuses on researching and developing in-house design simulations that help to generate, visualize and evaluate spatial properties of the built environment.

In 2007 we introduced Building Information Modelling [BIM] into the practice again having recognising early on the impact it would have on the Construction Industry. Its potential for enhancing creativity, improving communication, and producing better quality information and ultimately reducing the time, cost and quality risk associated with all building projects.

In simplistic terms, BIM offered us the tools with which to build computer generated models of our designs – using and containing digital objects that carried information about the design, construction and operation of an asset. In a virtual world we could explore our designs – to appreciate a space or a function, and to co-ordinate the design with the work of others.

But it soon became apparent that the core strengths of BIM were doing little more than replicating those of our Practice; visualization, co-ordination and efficiency were themselves not transformational attributes. And for that reason AHR is now looking beyond BIM to Virtual Information Modelling (VIM), as a means of exploring the true potential of what can be achieved using this technology.

Whilst Advanced Modelling brings advanced form-finding and manipulation techniques to the design process. Through parametric modelling, we can integrate consultant information into interactive design models and manage complex geometry according to construction and fabrication tolerances.

We have developed a unique brand of participatory design combining interactivity, real-time processes, portability and scientific rigour.

VIM challenges the processes by which a piece of architecture or landscape is designed, executed and managed. VIM is data-driven, but it uses many means by which to generate and assemble this data – and liberates the Designer to become more creative and more analytical.

Through syncopation with AHR Landscape, AHR Geomatics, AHR Building Consultancy and AHR ADG disciplines the Architectural team at AHR are working to provide a homogeneous service of digital survey, virtual design prototyping, digital construction, digital assembly, digital landscape, life cycle operation and maintenance – all combined with lifetime model management.

VIM empowers our Designers – but it will be our Clients who gain most from this world-class service offer. Customer expectations, which for so long have been largely immeasurable until project completion, can now be tested and verified from the onset using virtual reality as the tool of choice. Compromise can be better managed too, because visibility brings with it focus and a gravitas toward managing outcomes successfully. VIM is nothing short of game-changing; imagine, not only the ability to model a space virtually and then explore it, but an opportunity to understand how a space feels; its climate; its environmental impact; how it is lit; how it is built; how it is used and maintained: all from the model.

Few architectural practices have the privilege of being able to offer this service to Clients and the confidence it will extol in the design process is progressive to the core.

Good design is driven by our passion to explore the art of what's possible. The more possibilities we can interrogate and select from the better the results will be.

The introduction of analytical and generative software such as Advanced Modelling, Computational Design, BIM and VIM has enabled us to develop a range of tools and techniques that can rapidly analyse our designs and feed information back into the design process.

We have developed tools across 7 key areas of design:

Master planning design

Building planning design

Building form and façade design

Building performance design

Tall building design

Work place design

Product design

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